The distribution of nmblypelta stal species (Hemipiera Coreidae) in Papua New Guinea.

Amblypelta

Abstract

Amblypelta is a genus of twenty known described species, eight of which occur in Papua New Guinea. As true bugs they have piercing and sucking mouth parts and, in this country four species are important pests of horticultural crops. Using literature sources and label data from museum specimens, distribution records for Amblypelta species within Papua New Guinea were collated. The genus is widely distributed in the lower altitudes of the mainland and parts of the New Guinea islands. It is absent from the highland provinces. The greatest species diversity occurs in Central, Milne Bay and Oro provinces with a high
degree of species overlap in these areas. Amblypelta from the North Coast provinces and Bougainville province are distinct from the remaining Papua New Guinea fauna. Absence of Amblypelta records from Western, West New Britain and Manus provinces may be a result of lack of collection from these areas, rather than a true absence, and further collection in these provinces is warranted.